My wonderful friend Katarina Kovacevic is launching a magazine called RUBY. Today, her Kickstarter campaign kicks off. I believe in Katarina so much, as a talented writer and businesswoman (and Arizona girl!). Take a minute to watch her video. I stopped reading "women's magazines" long ago - they repeat the same article over and over (How to lose weight! Must-have beauty products!) and don't appeal to me or any of the women I know around the world.

THIS appeals to me:

"RUBY is an online lifestyle publication that promotes female camaraderie, supports sisterhood, and inspires women to make a difference.

Through skillful reporting and creative storytelling, with careful attention to word choice, RUBY will create an inclusive and supportive environment with one goal in mind: To lay the foundation for future generations of confident, motivated and inspirational women who make it a point to champion their fellow female."

Inspired by Katarina, I wanted to make a list of some of the women I love in the travel industry. I've traveled around the world with many of them, and am thankful to all of them for inspiring so many people to travel - through magazine articles, blogs, TV shows, creative marketing, personal social media posts, and so much more.

TRAVEL WOMEN I LOVE

At National Geographic: Thankful to all of these ladies for a great working relationship that is often ridiculously fun too - Andrea Leitch, Leslie Magraw, Heather Wyatt, Kim Connaghan, Hilary Halstead O'Keefe, Amanda Waas, Laura Robertson, Pandora Todd, Norie Quintos, Susan O'Keefe, Carolyn Fox (no longer at NatGeo, but I wish she was!)

Elizabeth Thorp: Editor in Chief of Capitol File Magazine, Founder of Poshbrood - I love how she's built an amazing career while being an incredible mom to three daughters (and two new rescue labs!).

Paula Froelich:Editor in Chief, Yahoo Travel - I first met Paula while we were on a bike trip in England. You'll find yourself spilling your life secrets, while wanting to hear every story she tells.

Becca Hensley: Travel Writer - She writes in a way that is so wonderfully lyrical, poetic, and hilarious. It ignites all five senses. We've now been to China, Costa Rica, the Galapagos, Las Vegas, and Switzerland together.

Michaela Ruoss: Media Coordinator, North America, Switzerland Tourism - Always at the ready with great advice, a perfect book recommendation, or delicious chocolate. She's also an amazing photographer.

Michaela Guzy:Founder of Oh the People You Meet! - Knows everyone! She is equal parts hilarious and kind with an insane work ethic.

Henley Vazquez:Founder of the game-changing, family-focused Feather+Flip - I admired Henley for years before I actually met her and then loved her even more.

Catherine Karnow:National Geographic Photographer - We had the most amazing time working together last year in Ireland and San Francisco. When she tells a story or you see one of her pictures, you are spellbound.

Misty Ewing Belles: Director of PR for Virtuoso - Misty is infinitely creative and always knows just what to say. I'm waiting for her regular Today show gig.

Ashley Castle: Travel personality & TV host, AFAR Ambassador - We were meant to meet and plan adventures together after she randomly met my sister in Rome (and we are both A&M grads!).

Ruthanne Sutor Terrero:VP/Editorial Director of Questex Hospitality + Travel, including Luxury Travel Advisor & Travel Agent magazine - She has been everywhere and has a huge breadth of knowledge in travel and media.

Emma de Vadder: Travel PR pro - I've traveled with Emma to the Isles of Scilly in England and had a very memorable train ride from London to Sandringham, not to mention several awesome NYC dates.

Tami Fairweather: Works with ExOfficio clothing, one of my favorites for great (and cute!) adventure travel clothes - I recently met Tami in Brooklyn and it was such a highlight.

Barbara Sackheim King:Travel Advisor/Founder of Great Getaways - I first met Barbara in Vegas at Virtuoso Travel Week and knew I would love her for life. She has a singular, joyful spirit that is very rare. Plus, she plans incredible trips. I'd send anyone to her.

Stacy Small:Founder, Elite Travel International - Stacy, a former travel journalist, is now known as one of the most innovative travel agents for her use of social media and new marketing techniques.

Laura McMurchie:VP Communications, Scottsdale CVB - She helped me get my first job at The Phoenician in Scottsdale and I'm grateful to her forever for introducing me to this crazy world of travel and media.

Valerie Lee: Director of PR, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess - One of my first bosses at The Phoenician. Her funny Facebook posts are legendary.

Samantha Brown:Travel Channel star & all-around inspiration - She's the original travel goddess, an inspiring speaker, and has a great luggage line.

Kirsten Magen: VP, Blackbird PR - Another Arizona girl and the absolute best at travel recs and hosting dinner parties.